Mike D'Antoni 'thankful' for Rockets signing Gerald Green

As remarkable as Gerald Green's shooting has been, his conditioning might be more remarkable for a player that had not played in anything by pickup games and on his own driveway for more than two months prior to signing with the Rockets Dec. 28.

"I think it's a shot of adrenaline being back in the league, and a little bit of everything," D'Antoni said. "He has that body that doesn't get out of shape, being thin. And he had to be playing somewhere."

As if he was surprised, D'Antoni said, "I'm thankful.

"We'd be in big trouble. We're still not out of the woods. But he's been a breath of fresh air. He's been good. Defensive, running back in transition, and obviously getting a shot anytime he wants it, he's been just super. Yeah, it's a surprise because you never know. It's a little bit out of desperation when we signed him because we had guys hurt. But I'm thankful."

Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green runs up court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green runs up court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Photo: Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Photo: Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

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Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green runs up court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green runs up court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)